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Conceptual Vectors of African Urbanism: 'Engaged Theory-Making' and 'Platforms of Engagement'

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  • Henrik Ernstson
  • Mary Lawhon
  • James Duminy

Abstract

Ernstson H., Lawhon M. and Duminy J. Conceptual vectors of African urbanism: 'engaged theory-making' and 'platforms of engagement', Regional Studies . With increasing urbanization in the global South, and Africa in particular, scholars have called attention to the limited explanatory capacity of existing theory. Ananya Roy suggests developing conceptual vectors based on regional histories and contexts. Two such vectors with relevance beyond Africa are identified and developed in this paper. The developmentalist focus of African urban work provides insights into challenges of linking academic theory with progressive changes in practice, what is called here 'engaged theory-making'; and conditions of informality enable 'platforms of engagement' - particular modes of organizing towards radical incremental change. The strengths of African research are highlighted, critical questions are raised and further work is encouraged.

Suggested Citation

  • Henrik Ernstson & Mary Lawhon & James Duminy, 2014. "Conceptual Vectors of African Urbanism: 'Engaged Theory-Making' and 'Platforms of Engagement'," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 48(9), pages 1563-1577, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:regstd:v:48:y:2014:i:9:p:1563-1577
    DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2014.892573
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Hoyler & John Harrison, 2017. "Global cities research and urban theory making," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 49(12), pages 2853-2858, December.
    2. Mary Lawhon & David Nilsson & Jonathan Silver & Henrik Ernstson & Shuaib Lwasa, 2018. "Thinking through heterogeneous infrastructure configurations," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 55(4), pages 720-732, March.
    3. Mary Lawhon & Yaffa Truelove, 2020. "Disambiguating the southern urban critique: Propositions, pathways and possibilities for a more global urban studies," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 57(1), pages 3-20, January.
    4. Jenny Mbaye & ANDY C. PRATT, 2020. "Cities, Creativities and Urban Creative Economies: Re‐descriptions and Make+Shifts from Sub‐Saharan Africa," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(5), pages 781-792, September.

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